As your body changes, your outfits should too, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be stuck in pj’s for the next nine months. Modern mamas can say bye-bye to muu-muus because Hollywood’s leading ladies have turned the spotlight on maternity wear. Bobbie Thomas, “Today” style contributor and co-host of the Style Network’s “Fashion Police,” shares the latest must-haves for mommies.
Building blocks
Belly Basics has won over celebrity fans like Heidi Klum with their functional fashion. Kick-start your wardrobe with their Pregnancy Survival Kit. Complete with a matching top, skirt, pant and dress, this four-in-one kit provides the essentials you’ll need for the next nine months. These machine washable basics are flattering and durable and can be worn together or as separates. There’s also a Warm Weather Kit featuring sleeveless pieces to make child-bearing a little more bearable during those hot summer months. $152; www.bellybasics.com
And be sure to dive feet first into the next nine months. As soon as you find out you’re pregnant, run, don’t walk, to the nearest Aerosoles store. With options that range from sexy ankle strap sandals to fashionable wedges, each shoe is built with an extra-cushioned insole, which is sure to have expectant mommies dancing with delight. $49-$69; www.aerosoles.com
Trendy tummies
You don’t have to sacrifice style as your belly begins to bulge. Celebrity style is accessible to all now that maternity designer Liz Lange has introduced a line for Target. With a list of celebrity clients that includes Kelly Ripa, Cindy Crawford and Debra Messing, Liz Lange proves that high fashion doesn’t need to come with a high price tag. From sophisticated chic to fun and flirty, the line offers everything from tanks and cargo pants to capris, dresses and skirts. $8.99-$26.99; www.target.com
Don’t ditch your designer denim! Bring your favorite blues to the local tailor and have the constricting waistband replaced with belly bands (elastic fabric that will stretch out when you do). After your pregnancy — voila! — the elastic comes out and your regular waistband is sewn back in. Too terrified to tear up your favorite denim? No worries, most of Hollywood’s hottest denim designers now offer maternity sizes, with stretch waistbands already in place.
Speaking of denim, for the latest in must-have maternity gear, try on the Maxi Levis Skirt, a just-below-the-knee length skirt made of reconstructed Levi’s jeans, available at the ultra-chic maternity boutique Naissance On Melrose, also known as NOM. (Last season's cord version of the skirt sold like hotcakes — Jennifer Garner bought it in every color! and this spring's denim update is sure to be a sell-out ... so get em' while you can ladies.) Glowing stars such as Katie Holmes and Gwyneth Paltrow also adore the hip store. $118; www.naissancematernity.com
Career gear
Comfort is key for career pieces, and Cadeau Maternity will have you suited up for the boardroom without the constraints of traditional work attire. Their Bi-Stretch Tropical Wool Shawl Collar Jacket is flattering and comfortable, offering the option of belting the jacket towards the front or the back, or leaving it open for a more casual look, while their matching Bi-Stretch Tropical Wool Pull-On Pant is designed with a signature adjustment feature to cradle your little one without confining you. Pair this suit with any of their shirts or camis for a sleek silhouette at all stages of your pregnancy. The queen of sophistication, Angelina Jolie, shows she’s always up for business in a black Cadeau pea coat (she actually owns two of them!). $100-$700; www.cadeaumaternity.com
Too busy juggling work, doctor appointments and your personal schedule to even think about finding time to go shopping during pregnancy? Maternitymall.com is literally a mall of stores online that offers a variety of great maternity wear, plus many of your favorite pre-pregnancy favorites. Just browse, click and purchase — your clothes will arrive well before the stork delivers your own little package. www.Maternitymall.com
Dressed to dine
For nights out on the town during your nine-month stint, NOM offers a variety of beautiful and stylish maternity dresses that bring new meaning to the words “hot mama.” Their Bootiful Babydoll Dress is the must-have black dress for any occasion. With a plunging neckline and ribbon tie, this dress is simple, sweet and sassy — perfect for showing off your increasingly shapely figure. Or wrap your “baby”licous self in NOM’s empire waist Silk Stretch Shirtdress. Available in gold, this dress will have you glowing like the motherly goddess you’ve always wanted to be. Babydoll Dress $79, Silk Shirtdress $145; www.naissancematernity.com
Red-carpet ready
Hollywood’s baby boom has not prevented leading ladies from shining on the red carpet, and now you can get glammed up too. You can literally look like a star thanks to dressmakers like Faviana, who recreate red carpet looks at great prices. Empire waistlines, flowy fabrics and stretchy curve-clinging silhouettes are a preggers girl’s best friend, and Faviana has taken note. They took the gorgeous blue empire-waist gown that non-pregnant Halle Berry wore to the Emmys and turned it into a wearable black-tie maternity dress that will have red-carpet critics going ga-ga over you. $220; www.faviana.com
A growing gal needs support!
Hormones raging, bodies changing — you’re gonna need some extra TLC for the next nine months, and Spanx will be there to support you. Spanx is the secret behind countless sexy figures — Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston and Oprah Winfrey to name a few — and they now offer a maternity collection. With added functions like underbelly control, a non-binding waistband and adjustable leg bands, you’ll have plenty of support. $25-$34; www.spanx.com